Article Archive
Don't Blame the Ref
By Ben Askren
The sport of wrestling is a "one on one" sport and most people involved take pride in that aspect.
However, to me, it seems many only keep it "one on one" when it seems convenient for them to do so.
What am I talking about? Blaming the referee!
How often do you hear "I got screwed by the referee?" Last week I heard the phrase from an 8 year old
member of the club I help out with. It made me sick. Well I am here to tell you, by blaming the referee
you are taking the easy way out and degrading the sport.
I say this for a number of reasons. First, most refs are good natured and do their job to the best of their
ability. They don't get paid a lot and more often than not, they ref as a service to the sport of wrestling.
Which brings me to my next point; why are fans so outofcontrol
in regard to referees? Refs are trying
to do a good job. The next time there is a questionable call, be quiet and listen to those around you.
Most likely you will be thinking "Wow. These people are crazy" or "Man, these people sound stupid."
Well, guess what, you sound the exact same way. Next time, as a fan, you feel the need to scream an
obscenity at the top of your lungs, DON'T! It really isn't necessary and isn't fair to the referees. How
would you like it if someone came to your job and screamed obscenities at you and told you, you sucked?
There is a wrestling referee shortage in America, and it is the fans fault. Give refs a break, and use your
energy to support your wrestler instead.
As a wrestler, the reason to not to blame the referee is simple. It is your fault you lost, not the refs. So
often, it is sickening to see wrestlers waiting for overtime or double OT and the flip. That concept is
foreign to me. I figure if you wait that long you deserve to lose the match. I have a simple philosophy
that prevents me from blaming the referee. If my match is close enough where the ref can make a
difference then it is my fault I put him in the equation. I strongly believe all wrestlers should think this
way. If you have a problem beating people by a lot, the answer is simple: Work Harder. I have never
seen Cael Sanderson or Alexander Karelin whine about the call of a ref. Did you? Wrestlers, do your jobs!
Take responsibility for what you do and don't blame someone else.
Next time you are at a wrestling meet, relax, cheer for the wrestlers and don't heckle the referee. Rather
applaud (not literally) his effort.
Wrestlers, next time the ref makes a questionable call, think of where you could have worked harder and
be mad at yourself instead.
Good job refs! Have fun everyone.
Ben Askren, Volunteer Assistant Coach, University of Missouri
Olympic Team Hopeful
2 X NCAA DI
Champion
2 X NCAA DI
Runnerup
2007 ESPY Nominee for Best Male Athlete
2 X Dan Hodge Trophy Winner
3rd on NCAA Pin list with 91 falls
2 X Wisconsin High School State Champion
How to Understand Stalling - It's Simple!
By Frederick Feeney
Stalling...the most interesting call in wrestling. I will tell you that unless you have a thorough knowledge of what stalling really is and how to recognize it, and until you are on that mat, in a situation where someone is stalling, or might be stalling, in a big match, you have no idea what the referee is thinking.
I truly believe calling stalling in a college match or a high level high school match is a art form. Most fans don't have a true grasp of the intricacies of the college or high school stall call and what all goes into it.
It's all about getting it right...every time, every match. Each side is yelling, the fans are yelling, this is happening, that is occurring...a thousand things at one time. I am going to try and explain stalling and how to get the call you need or want. It's simple.
Stalling calls, be it a high level high school or a college match, are very unique situations. The score does matter, who has shot and who hasn't matters...who is pushing..who is shoving...who is working the edge..who is circling back in...who is defending a lead..who is blocking off...who is tying up..who is riding...who is content with the score...my goodness...there is a lot to consider. In every match, depending on which corner you are in, or what side of the gym you are sitting, you will see different things and want different things based on what you know...or don't know.
Do you know how to force a call? I don't mean screaming from the chair or stands "what's the bottom guy doing...or get him off the hips...or he's backing either. It's very simple.
You're The Worst Official Ever!
By Frederick Feeney
“You’re the worst official ever!” Ever heard that? Ever said that?
I believe one of the greatest traits that any official of any sport must have is simple courage. Courage to make the right call, at the right time, regardless of what level, who is watching, or what the consequences of such action might be.
With the above said, I do believe that 99.99% of the referees on the mat working are truly dedicated, know the rules, are 100% unbiased and apply the rules fair and square.
When I watch a wrestling match, I look at the referee and see if his mechanics are correct, not the wrestlers. I have over the years seen referees blasted because of a certain call, knowing full well that his call was based on the stated rules.
How Do Referees Know When It's Time To Stop And Hang Up The Whistle?
By Frederick Feeney
This is one referees story.
He walked off the mat after making a mistake or two during a regular old match and then it happened. He felt a push. It was gentle, but it was defiantly a push. Where did it come from? No one was near. He turned and looked. No one physically pushed him. No one was near him. He shook his head and slowly walked away.